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Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
April 22, 2003


Bulletin

This Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP) Bulletin provides information about research funding, research resources, and policies and procedures important for grantees and grant applicants who may be supported through its Program. Our aim is to help you successfully navigate the grant application process and to support your research efforts. EGRP manages a comprehensive program of grant-supported, population-based research to increase our understanding of cancer etiology and prevention.

Contents

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Funding Opportunities

Following are a variety of NCI funding opportunities that may be of interest to EGRP grantees and prospective grantees. The listing includes Program Announcements (PA, PAR), a Request for Applications (RFA) for research on cancer survivorship, training grants, supplemental funding opportunities, and new PAs for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Programs.

Program Announcements Sponsored by EGRP:

Cohort Studies in Cancer Epidemiology (PAS-02-009)
Mechanism: R01(research project grant).

There is a receipt date of November 1, 2003, for new and revised R01 grant applications from investigators intending to initiate, competitively supplement, or competitively renew epidemiologic cohort studies of human cancers. (NIH Guide, NOT-CA-02-026).
    Contact: Sandra Melnick, Dr.P.H.
Telephone: 301-435-4914
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: melnicks@mail.nih.gov
 

Small Grants Program for Cancer Epidemiology (PAR-03-010)
Mechanism: R03 (small grant).

This PAR invites small grant (R03) applications relating to cancer epidemiology with a primary focus on etiologic cancer research. These are short-term awards intended to provide support for pilot projects, testing of new techniques, or development of innovative projects that could provide a basis for more extended research. Applications are encouraged that focus on high priority research areas identified by NCI's Progress Review Groups to raise awareness of scientific opportunities. Of special interest (but not limited to) is development of a novel way to explore the relationship of obesity to cancer risk.
    Contact: Virginia (Ginny) Hartmuller, Ph.D., R.D.
Telephone: 301-594-3402
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: hartmulv@mail.nih.gov.
 

Molecular Epidemiology of Cancers Associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency (PA-03-024)
Mechanism: R01 (research project grant), competing supplements.

Applications are invited for interdisciplinary studies to better understand the molecular epidemiology and role of cofactors in the etiology and pathogenesis of pre-neoplastic conditions and cancers occurring among persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), specifically those cancers associated with viruses such as human papillomavirus(HPV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (HHV8/KSHV), and hepatitis viruses B and C. Also included is research on malignancies arising within the context of acquired immunosuppression from non-HIV sources.
 

Contacts: Vaurice Starks
Telephone: 301-402-9375
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: starksv@mail.nih.gov

 Sandra Melnick, Dr.P.H.
Telephone: 01-435-4914
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: melnicks@mail.nih.gov
 

Occupational Safety and Health Research (PA-99-143)
Mechanism: R01 (research project grant).

This PA is currently accepting applications and will be reissued in 2003. Its purpose is to stimulate research to develop knowledge that can be used in preventing occupational diseases and injuries, and to better understand their underlying pathophysiology.
    Contact: Kumiko Iwamoto, M.D., Dr.P.H.
Telephone: 301-435-4911
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: iwamotok@mail.nih.gov
 

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Programs

The SBIR Program is a set-aside program (2.5% of an agency's extramural budget) for domestic small business concerns to engage in Research and Research and Development that has the potential for commercialization. The STTR Program also supports the participation of small businesses in Federal research and development, with an additional requirement for a formal collaboration with the research institution in Phase I and II. The President's budget proposal for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would increase the set aside for the STTR Program from 0.15 to 0.3% of the total NIH extramural research and development base in Fiscal Year 2004. The STTR Program requires that 30-60% of the work be performed by the non-profit research institution and the principal investigator be an employee of either the small business or the academic research institution. The program is designed to stimulate technological innovation and encourage partnerships between research institutions and small businesses.

List of research topics of particular interest to EGRP.
NCI Notice (NOT-CA-03-019) in the NIH Guide.
Omnibus Solicitation Part I and Part II (program descriptions, research topics), Jan. 15, 2003.
    Contact: Jay Choudhry, M.S.
Telephone: 301-435-6613
Fax: 301-402-4279
E-mail: choudhrj@mail.nih.gov
 
RFA and PARs sponsored by other components of our Division:
 
Long Term Cancer Survivors: Research Initiatives (CA-04-003)
Mechanisms: R01 (larger applications with pilot data); R21 (instrument development, exploratory, innovative research, no prior relevant pilot data, junior investigators); and R03 (junior investigators, no prior relevant pilot data).

Sponsored by the Office of Cancer Survivorship (OCS). Letters of intent are due May 12, and applications are due June 16, 2003. This newly reissued RFA recognizes the critical need for more information about long-term cancer survivorship, and is intended to catalyze efforts to address the many unanswered questions in this spectrum of the cancer control continuum.

    Contact: Noreen Aziz, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Telephone: 301-496-0598
Fax: 301-594-5070
E-mail: na45f@nih.gov
 
NCI Transition Career Development Award (PAR-01-134)
Cancer Prevention, Control, Behavioral, and Population Sciences Career Development Award (PAR-01-135)
    Contact: Brian Kimes, Ph.D.
Telephone: 301-496-8537
Fax: 301-402-0181
E-mail: bk34t@nih.gov
View other NCI research training opportunities.
   
Sponsored outside our Division:
   

Administrative Supplement Requests for Studies of Cancer in HIV/AIDS (NOT-CA-03-017)

Sponsored by AIDS Malignancy Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD). DCTD has set apart funds in Fiscal Year 2003 specifically designated for studies of cancer in HIV+ populations and acquired immunodeficiency. The funding is to foster clinical and basic investigators to interact in a coordinated, complementary, or synergistic manner to conduct translational research in AIDS malignancies. Investigators are encouraged to submit proposals for novel studies including but not limited to those that translate basic research findings into clinical application. Approved projects will be supported by administrative supplementation.

NCI-funded investigators conducting studies relevant to increasing knowledge of the basic biology, pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, immunology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer in the context of HIV/AIDS or other acquired immunodeficiency, may receive supplemental funding for one year to conduct studies broadly related to a specific aim of the parent grant. See the NIH Guide Notice for details.

    Contact: Jodi B. Black, Ph.D.
Telephone: 301-402-6293
E-mail: blackj@mail.nih.gov
   

Revised Guidelines for Minority Supplements to the NCI-supported Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grants (T32S) (NOT-CA-03-010)

Sponsored by Comprehensive Minority Biomedical Branch (CMBB), Office of Deputy Director for Extramural Science. NCI-supported Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grants grantees are invited to participate in the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program by submitting administrative supplements for placing promising, qualified underrepresented minority predoctoral students and postdoctoral trainees in cancer research settings.
    Contact: H. Nelson Aguila, D.V.M.
Telephone: 301-496-7344
Fax: 301-402-4551
E-mail: ha60x@nih.gov
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NCI Articulates Future Plans

discovery, development, delivery continuumNCI's planning and budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2004, The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research, is now available online and in print. This document communicates NCI's vision and plans for the future and is a guide for operational planning and priority setting. In releasing the report, NCI Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., said the document is built around the discovery-development-delivery continuum, and a framework that emphasizes capacity building, accelerating discovery and its application, and addressing areas of public health emphasis.

EGRP recommends reading the document and encourages investigators to consider it in planning their research. In grant applications, we suggest referring to relevant sections or passages, when appropriate, and indicating how the proposed research contributes to NCI's plans.

Of particular interest to investigators in cancer epidemiology may be the sections on:

Access the document online [html, pdf], or order a print copy from NCI's Online Publications Locator Service.

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Comprehensive Cancer Data on Women of Color Published

A new Web-based monograph provides a comprehensive source of cancer data for nine populations of women of color: African Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, American Samoans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. Each chapter discusses the cancer experience of the population in terms of the social and historical context, current demographics and health indicators, and comprehensive statistics.

The chapters also highlight risk factors for cancer, as well as prevention and control interventions that have proven successful, and provide recommendations for filling in data gaps and pursuing effective cancer control efforts. Cancer in Women of Color was prepared by NCI and the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health.

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Research Resources Provided by EGRP

  • assembling information for and completing medical extraction forms
  • obtaining pathology reports and tumor blocks for molecular testing or to verify diagnosis
  • collecting biospecimens with desired medical and demographic information
  • shipping or storing biospecimens
  • conducting telephone interviews with enrollees
  • recruiting patients from high-risk clinics and tumor registries
  • providing genetic counseling
  • contacting enrollees' treating physicians prior to enrollment
  • developing software, including computerized followup for the study
  • using multiple software systems for breast cancer risk assessment.

Specialized expertise is available in certain areas, including biostatistics, statistical genetics, epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and behavioral research. Also, CGN principal investigators welcome opportunities to collaborate with research groups on important studies.

Researchers who are interested in accessing CGN data or including registry enrollees in ongoing or proposed studies should prepare a 1-page summary of their proposed research, specific aims, and explanation of the role of CGN enrollees in the research. Priority is given to funded investigators or to those who are planning to submit grant proposals to NIH. Funding for research is not provided. For further information, access the NCI CGN Web site.

Contact: Carol Kasten-Sportes, M.D.
Telephone: 301-402-8212
Fax: 301-435-5466
E-mail: kastenca@mail.nih.gov

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Contact: Ellen Heineman, Ph.D.
Telephone: 301-435-6614
Fax: 301-435-6609
E-mail: heinemae@mail.nih.gov


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Need Help Identifying Sources of Human Specimens and Data?

NCI's Specimen Resource Locator is a searchable Web-based database that helps researchers locate specimens for their studies. The database includes resources such as tissue banks and tissue procurement systems with access to normal, benign, pre-cancerous and/or cancerous human tissue.

Also, NCI's Tissue Expediter helps researchers identify sources of human tissue specimens and locate the tissue and related data needed. The Tissue Expediter is a scientist who can rapidly relate researchers' needs to appropriate resources.

Contact: The Tissue Expediter
Telephone: 301-496-7147
Fax: 301 402 7819
E-mail: tissexp@mail.nih.gov

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Final Statement on Sharing Research Data Published

NIH has published its final statement on sharing research data. Starting with the October 1, 2003, receipt date, investigators who submit NIH applications seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are to include a plan for data sharing, or state why data sharing is not possible. All investigator-initiated applications with direct costs greater than $500,000 in any single year will be expected to address data sharing in their applications. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their data sharing plan with Program Directors at the time they negotiate an agreement with the Institute/Center staff to accept assignment of their applications. Instructions related to the data sharing policy as it is applied to applications and proposals responding to a specific Request for Application (RFA) or Request for Proposal (RFP) will be described in the specific solicitation. In some cases, Program Announcements (PA) may request data sharing plans for applications that are less than $500,000 direct costs in any single year. Reviewers will not factor the proposed data-sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or priority score. See the NIH Guide, NOT-OD-03-032; release date: February 26, 2003.

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New Practice on Resubmission of Certain Applications

NIH has changed its practice regarding resubmission of unpaid applications that are received in response to RFAs and applications that have changed grant activity mechanisms. This change affects three categories of applications:

Because an RFA often has special considerations of eligibility, scientific scope, and review criteria, most unfunded applications should be resubmitted as new applications. Submission of a new application allows the applicant to fully benefit from the NIH policy that gives investigators the opportunity to submit two revisions within 2 years. Also, applicants can benefit from considering comments made in summary statements in the preparation of their new applications. See the NIH Guide, NOT-OD-03-019; release date: January 16, 2003.

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"Other Support" Information Must Be Provided Before an Award Can Be Made

The NIH Guide recently published a reminder that submission of complete and up-to-date "other support" information is required before an award can be made. Other support includes all financial resources, whether Federal, non-Federal, commercial or institutional, available in direct support of an individual's research endeavors, including but not limited to research grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and/or institutional awards. Training awards, prizes, or gifts are not included.

Applicants should not include information on other support in the PHS 398 competitive grant application submission, but should be prepared to follow "just-in-time" procedures to submit current other support information upon the request of Institute/Center staff when the application is under consideration for funding. Grantees also must report any changes in other support as a part of the annual progress report. See the NIH Guide, NOT-OD-03-029; release date: February 13, 2003.

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Advance Notice Required To Submit Large Budget Applications

NIH requires grant applicants with a requested budget of $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year to contact the appropriate program staff member before submitting applications to the NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR) for peer review. The Notice in the NIH Guide stipulates that if the requested dollar amount is $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year, then approval must be sought 6 weeks prior to submitting the grant to the Committee for Scientific Review (CSR). However, approval for NCI epidemiology applications must be sought at least 8 weeks prior to submission to CSR to complete the internal processing by the deadline. Contact Program Directors by May 6 for the July 1 deadline for revised applications, and August 4 for the October 1 deadline for new applications. CSR no longer accepts amended budgets for submissions of $500,000 or more.

Investigators must follow this policy, speak to the appropriate Program Director, and respond to requests for information. If advance notice about the proposed study and budget is not received, applications will be returned, causing a delay in submission and review of one round. This policy applies to new, competing continuation, competing supplement, and amended/revised applications. The policy does not apply to applications submitted in response to RFAs or in response to other announcements that include specific budgetary limits.

See the NIH Guide, NOT-OD-02-004 and NOT-CA-02-029; release dates: October 16, 2001 and September 27, 2002, respectively. Also, see the DCCPS Web site for a special message explaining the advance notice process.

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Increased Support for Competing Continuations Capped

NCI limits the level of increases requested for funding of competing continuation single project research grants (R01) and cooperative agreements (U01) to no more than 20% over the direct cost award level in the last non-competing (type 5) year. The direct cost dollar cap total is exclusive of any subcontractual facilities and administrative costs that appear as direct costs in the budget of the applicant. See the NIH Guide, NOT-CA-01-016; release date: August 7, 2001.

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Impact of HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH Grantees Explained

An overview of how the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Information (Privacy Rule) may affect NIH processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts, now appears in the NIH Guide. Those who must comply with the Privacy Rule, including some NIH grantees and contractors, must do so by April 14, 2003 (with the exception of small health plans, which have an extra year to comply).

The Privacy Rule applies to researchers classified under the rule as covered entities, such as a health care clearinghouse, health plan, or a health care provider that electronically transmits health information in connection with a transaction for which the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has adopted standards under HIPAA. The Privacy Rule also may affect researchers who obtain individually identifiable health information from covered entities through collaborative or contractual arrangements.

Decisions about whether and how to implement the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. A set of decision tools on "Am I a Covered Entity?" is available from the DHHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Web site. Researchers should review this and other information on the Privacy Rule and then discuss with their appropriate institutional officials, for example, Office of Research or legal counsel, to learn how the rule applies to them, their organization, and their specific research project. OCR and the Department of Justice may impose civil or criminal penalties, respectively, on covered entities that fail to comply with the rule. See the NIH Guide, NOT-OD-03-025, release date: February 5, 2003.

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Sources of Information on Grant Policies, Funding, Training

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Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP) Staff

Telephone: 301-496-9600

 

Last Updated: 27 Oct 2009

Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences National Cancer Institute Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov